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Skill Checklists for Fundamentals of Nursing:

The Art and Science of Person-Centered Nursing Care, 8th edition
Name ___________________________________________________ Date _____________________________
Unit ____________________________________________________ Position ___________________________
Instructor/Evaluator: ________________________________________ Position ___________________________

SKILL 24-3
Needs Practice

Assessing Respiration
Satisfactory
Excellent

Goal: The patient’s respirations are assessed accurately without

injury and the patient experiences only minimal discomfort. Comments

1. While your fingers are still in place for the pulse

measurement, after counting the pulse rate, observe the
patient’s respirations.
2. Note the rise and fall of the patient’s chest.
3. Using a watch with a second hand, count the number of
respirations for 30 seconds. Multiply this number by 2 to
calculate the respiratory rate per minute.
4. If respirations are abnormal in any way, count the
respirations for at least 1 full minute.
5. Note the depth and rhythm of the respirations.
6. When measurement is completed, remove gloves, if worn.
Cover the patient and help the patient to a position of comfort.
7. Remove additional PPE, if used. Perform hand hygiene.

Copyright © 2015 by Wolters Kluwer. Skill Checklists for Fundamentals of Nursing: The Art and
Science of Person-Centered Nursing Care, 8th edition, by Carol Taylor, Carol Lillis, and Pamela Lynn.